System and method for measuring torque and angle

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to torque application tools, such as an electronic torque screwdriver, with a multiple axis gyroscope (such as a 3-axis gyroscope or other type of gyroscope) and torque sensor that allows for simultaneous or sequential measurement of torque and angle around the axis of the tool. Targets for torque and angle measurements may be used to create algorithms to detect breakaway torque, residual torque, or to perform error proofing to ensure unique fasteners are tightened.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of and claims priority to U.S.Application No. 16/374,384, filed on Apr. 3, 2019, which claims priorityto U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/657,359, filed on Apr. 13, 2018,the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein in theirentirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to tools adapted to apply torqueto a work piece. More particularly, the present invention relates totorque application tools with a multi-axis gyroscope and torque sensor.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Torque application tools are commonly used in automotive and industrialapplications to apply a desired amount of torque to a work piece, suchas a threaded fastener or bolt. For example, a torque applicationprocedure may require tightening a work piece to a desired amount oftorque or within a desired torque range. Securing the work piece at adesired torque amount allows for secure attachment of the components andstructures related thereto, without the risks of under-tightening orover-tightening the work piece. For example, not apply the proper amountof torque could result in under tightening the work piece, which couldresult in unintended disengagement of the components. Likewise, applyingtoo much torque could over-tighten the work piece which could causedisengaging the work piece difficult, or could otherwise damage thefastened components or work pieces. To prevent under-tightening orover-tightening, a torque measurement can be made while tightening thecomponents, for example, bolts or nuts, to meet a target torque amountor to apply an amount of torque within a desired torque range.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates broadly to torque application tools, suchas an electronic torque screwdriver, with a multiple axis gyroscope(such as a 3-axis gyroscope or other type of gyroscope) and torquesensor that allows for simultaneous or sequential measurement of torqueand angle around the axis of the tool. Targets for torque and anglemeasurements may be used to create algorithms to detect breakawaytorque, residual torque, or to perform error proofing to ensure uniquefasteners are tightened.

In an embodiment, a tool having a handle and a drive is disclosed. Thetool may include a control housing extending from the drive and acontroller disposed in the control housing. The controller may include atorque sensor configured to measure amounts of torque applied by thedrive to a work piece, and a gyroscope configured to measure amounts ofangular rotation of the drive. The controller may also include aprocessor and a memory. The processer may be configured to determine anangular position of the drive from the gyroscope. The tool may furtherinclude an input interface in communication with the controller and adisplay in communication with the controller and configured to display avalue.

In another embodiment, a method of applying torque to a work piece by atool is disclosed. The tool may have a drive, a controller, a torquesensor, a gyroscope, a memory, an input interface, and a display. Thetool may receive a minimum desired torque value and a maximum desiredtorque value via the input interface. A minimum desired rotational anglevalue and a maximum desired torque value may also be received via theinput interface. Respective measurements of amounts of torquerespectively applied to work pieces may be received from the torquesensor, such that when the amount of torque applied to the work piecereaches the minimum torque value, a rotational angle measurement isreceived. The amount of torque and the rotational angle may be measureduntil the amount of torque reaches the maximum torque value. A measuredrotation angle may be compared to the minimum rotational angle.

In yet another embodiment, a method of measuring the amount of torqueapplied by a tool to a work piece is disclosed. A minimum desired torquevalue and a maximum desired torque value may be received via an inputinterface. A minimum desired rotational angle value and a maximumdesired rotational angle value may also be received via an inputinterface. Respective measurements of amounts of torque respectivelyapplied to work pieces may be received from the torque sensor, androtational angle measurements may be determined from rotationalmeasurements received from a gyroscope. The respective amounts of torqueapplied to the work piece and the respective rotational anglemeasurements may be recorded in a memory until a target value isreached. The target value may include at least one of the minimum torquevalue, the maximum torque value, the minimum rotational angle value, andthe maximum rotational angle value. Further, an indication may beactivated upon reaching the target value.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For the purpose of facilitating an understanding of the subject mattersought to be protected, there is illustrated in the accompanying drawingembodiments thereof, from an inspection of which, when considered inconnection with the following description, the subject matter sought tobe protected, its construction and operation, and many of itsadvantages, should be readily understood and appreciated.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a torque application tool according toan embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 2 and 3 are first and second side views of the torque applicationtool of FIG. 1 , according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an exemplary block diagram conceptually illustrating examplecomponents of the torque application tool of FIG. 1 , according to anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates a graph of torque measurement according to anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates a graph of residual torque measurement according toan embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates a graph of breakaway/residual torque measurementaccording to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is another exemplary process flow diagram illustrating operationsof measuring torque and angle according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While this invention is susceptible of embodiments in many differentforms, there is shown in the drawings, and will herein be described indetail, a preferred embodiment of the invention with the understandingthat the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification ofthe principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the broadaspect of the invention to embodiments illustrated. As used herein, theterm “present invention” is not intended to limit the scope of theclaimed invention and is instead a term used to discuss exemplaryembodiments of the invention for explanatory purposes only.

The present invention broadly relates to torque application tools, suchas an electronic torque screwdriver, with a multiple axis gyroscope(such as a 3-axis gyroscope or other type of gyroscope) and a torquesensor that allows for simultaneous or sequential measurement of torqueand angle around the axis of the tool. Targets for torque and anglemeasurements may be used to create algorithms to detect breakawaytorque, residual torque, or to perform error proofing to ensurefasteners are tightened.

For example, a torqueing operation may include applying a minimum targettorque amount to a work piece or fastener. A work piece that does notrotate a minimum angle amount can be an indication that the work piecehas already been tightened or may be cross-threaded. It can also be anindication that the amount of the applied torque was not enough toovercome fastener friction and has not obtained the proper torque. Awork piece that has exceeded a maximum angle can be an indication of afastener that is yielding due to stressing, plastic deformation, ormechanical failure, such as stripped threads.

A method and system are also disclosed for combining torque measurementwith a gyroscope for measuring rotational angle in the tool. Forexample, a target torque amount may be applied to a work piece whilesimultaneously monitoring a rotational angle amount. Further, measuringand compensating for prevailing torque for locking-type work pieces andmeasuring breakaway and residual torque of pre-tightened work piece isprovided.

Referring to FIGS. 1-3 a torque application tool 100, such as ascrewdriver, is illustrated. It will be understood that a screwdrivertool is being shown for exemplification purposes only, and the presentinvention is not limited to screwdriver tools, and is rather broadlyapplicable to any type of torque application tool. The tool 100 includesa body portion 102 (also referred to as a body 102), a head portion 104(also referred to as a head 104) coupled to the body 102, anilluminating indicator 106 disposed between the head 104 and the body102, and a drive 108 extending from the head 104. The tool 100 isadapted to apply torque to a work piece, such as a fastener, via anadapter, bit (such as a flathead, Philips, Torx, allen, or other type ofbit), or socket coupled to the drive 108, such as a bi-directionalratcheting square or hexagonal drive, that is adapted to engage a workpiece. As illustrated, the drive 108 is a “female” connector 110designed to receive a male counterpart. However, the drive 108 may be a“male” connector designed to fit into or penetrate a female counterpart.The drive may also be structured to engage directly a work piece withoutcoupling to an adapter, bit, or socket.

The body 102 may also function as a handle, and be gripped by a user toapply torque to the work piece. Accordingly, the body 102 may include atextured grip 112 to improve a user’s grasp of the tool 100 duringtorqueing operations. Although the grip 112 is illustrated as beinglocated along a length of the body 102, the grip 112 may be positionedat other locations about the body 102. The body 102 may also house acontrol unit 114 of the tool 100. The control unit 114 may include auser interface, such as a user interface comprising at least one button116 and a display screen 118. The user interface may be used by a userfor inputting instructions, modifying settings of the tool 100 orinteracting with menus presented on the display screen 118. For example,the user input interface may be configured to allow a user to inputinformation, data, and/or commands into the tool 100. By way of example,the user input interface can include a keyboard, mouse, touch screen,audio recorder, audio transmitter, member pad, or other device thatallows for the entry of information from a user. As exemplarily shown inFIG. 1 , in an embodiment, the user input interface can include buttons116, e.g., power, up/down control buttons, an “enter” key, a “units” keyand other buttons. In one example, the buttons allow the user to input atorque setting.

The display screen 118 can display various information for the user toview and interpret, for example, text or graphics, or informationentered into the user input interface. By way of example, the displayscreen 118 can include a liquid crystal display (LCD), organic lightemitting diode (OLED) display, plasma screen, or other kind of black andwhite or color display that allows the user to view and interpretinformation. The display screen 118 may optionally be touch-sensitive,with software or firmware executed by a processor or controller of thecontrol unit 114 providing virtual on-screen controls. Instructions andother information can be input directly into the tool 100 via the userinterface. During torqueing operation or use of the tool, the display118 may display information, such as torque and/or angle information.

As will be discussed below, the body 102 and/or head 104 may also houseone or more sensors used to measure the amount of torque applied to awork piece via the drive 108 and the amount of angle of rotation appliedto the work piece via the drive 108. The tool 100 may also include anorientation sensor to determine the angle of a longitudinal axis of thebody 102 relative to “down” (that is, relative to the force of gravity).

As will be described below, the tool 100 can measure, record, anddisplay torque and angle data in real time during torqueing operations,as well as transmit that data in real time to an external device (suchas, an external computing device, mobile device, etc.). In the contextof the present application, “real time” means “without significantdelay” (e.g., measurement and processing delays not exceeding one secondper data sample). Torque application and angle data may be logged andstored with a time index by the tool 100 and/or a software applicationon the external device.

The illuminating indicator 106 may include one or more illuminatingindicators 120, such as light emitting diodes (LEDs). In an embodiment,the LEDs are multiple color LEDs. The indicators 120 are equally spaced360 degrees around a longitudinal axis of the tool 100, and between thehead 104 and the body 102. This allows one or more of the indicators 120to be visible to the user during a torqueing operation. For example,during a torqueing operation, the user may grasp the body 102, and theuser’s hand may obstruct the display screen 118. However, theilluminating indicator 106 remains unobstructed by the user’s hand sincethe illuminating indicator 106 is proximal to the head 104 between thehead 104 and the body 102. In some embodiments, the illuminatingindicator 106 may be angled or oriented to face in a direction towards arear of the body 102 (i.e., away from the drive 108), and therebytowards the user.

In an example, the indicators 120 may be multiple color LEDs. In thisrespect, the indicators 120 may include first indicators adapted toilluminate yellow, second indicators adapted to illuminate green, andthird indicators adapted to illuminate red, for example. It will beappreciated that different color indicators may also be used.

The different colored first, second, and third indicators are used toindicate to the user that the amount of applied torque and/or angularrotation is approaching a target torque and/or angle value, the targettorque and/or angle value has been reached, and when an upper limit ofthe target torque and/or angle value has been exceeded. As describedabove, the illuminating indicator 106 (including the indicators 120) areproximal to a head 104 of the tool 100 so the indicators 120 are notobstructed by the user’s hand when using the tool 100. The indicators120 are also placed in a ring pattern allowing 360 degrees of viewingduring rotation and/or use of the tool 100.

The indicators 120 indicate amounts of applied torque and/or angle as apercentage of the target torque and/or angle values. For example, thefirst indicators are used to indicate increasing amounts of appliedtorque and/or angle. The second indicators are used to indicate when theamount of applied torque and/or angle reaches the target torque and/orangle values. The third indicators are used to indicate when the amountof applied torque and/or angle reaches an over-limit torque and/or anglevalue.

Other means of indicating a progress toward a target torque and/or anglecan be implemented without departing from the spirit and scope of thepresent application. For example, audible indications can be activated(using the speaker/transduce 122 illustrated in FIG. 4 ), and/or tactileindications can be activated (using the haptic vibrator 124 illustratedin FIG. 4 ).

FIG. 4 is an exemplary block diagram conceptually illustrating examplecomponents of the tool 100. The tool 100 may include one or morecontrollers/processors 126, a memory 128, non-volatile storage 130, anda wireless communications transceiver 132. Each controller/processor 126may include a central processing unit (CPU) for processing data andcomputer-readable instructions. The processor/controller 126 retrievesinstructions from data storage 130 via a bus 134, using the memory 128for runtime temporary storage of instructions and data. The memory 128may include volatile and/or nonvolatile random access memory (RAM).While components are illustrated in FIG. 4 as being connected via thebus 134, components may also be connected to other components inaddition to (or instead of) being connected to other components via thebus 134.

Data storage 130 stores the instructions, including instructions toperform the operations of the tool 100 described herein. The datastorage component 130 may include one or more types of non-volatilesolid-state storage, such as flash memory, read-only memory (ROM),magnetoresistive RAM (MRAM), phase-change memory, etc. The tool 100 mayalso include an input/output interface to connect to removable orexternal non-volatile memory and/or storage (such as a removable memorycard, memory key drive, networked storage, etc.). Such an input/outputinterface may be a wired or embedded interface (not illustrated) and/ormay comprise the wireless communications transceiver 132.

Computer instructions for operating the tool 100 and its variouscomponents may be executed by the controller/processor 126, using thememory 128 as temporary “working” storage at runtime. The computerinstructions may be stored in a non-transitory manner in non-volatilememory 128, storage 130, or an external device. Alternatively,some-or-all of the executable instructions may be embedded in hardwareor firmware in addition to or instead of software.

The tool 100 may include multiple input and output interfaces. Theseinterfaces include the radio transceiver 132, one-or-more buttons 116,one-or-more light-emitting diodes LEDs 120, a speaker or audiotransducer 122, a haptics vibrator 124, one-or-more torque sensors 136,one-or-more angle sensors 138, and an orientation sensor 140. The torquesensor 136 may include, for example, one-or-more of a torque transducer,a strain gauge, a magnetoelastic torque sensor, and a surface acousticwave (SAW) sensor. The angle sensors 138, or other such device, may beconfigured to measure a rate of rotation of the drive 108, or a driveshaft coupled thereto, about an axis while the drive 108 is turning.Upon the detection of torque by the torque sensor 136 in a drivingoperation, the rate of rotation may be integrated over time to determinethe angle of rotation. The angle sensors 138 may comprise, for example,one-or-more of a rotational angle sensor, electronic gyroscope (such asa two-or-three axes gyroscope), accelerometer, and the like. In the caseof an accelerometer, the angular position may be found by doubleintegrating the rotational acceleration. The orientation sensor 140 maycomprise a three-axis electronic accelerometer or gravity sensor todetermine the orientation of the longitudinal axis of the tool 100relative to “down.”

Depending on the type of torque sensor 136 used, analog-to-digital (A/D)converters 142 may receive analog signals from the torque sensor 136,outputting digital signals to the processor/controller 126. Likewise,A/D converters 144 may receive analog signals from the angle sensor 138,and A/D converters 146 may receive analog signals from the orientationsensor 140, outputting digital signals to the processor/controller 126.The A/D converters 142/144/146 may be discrete, integrated with/in theprocessor/controller 118, or integrated with/in their respective sensors136/138/140.

The number of, and need for, the A/D converters 142/144/146 is dependenton the technology used for each sensor 136/138/140. Multiple A/Dconverters may be provided to accommodate as many signals as needed,such as if the angle sensor 138 provides analog outputs for a pluralityof gyroscope axes, or if the orientation sensor 140 provides analogoutputs for a plurality of accelerometer axes. Signal conditioningelectronics (not illustrated) may also be included as standalonecircuitry, integrated with/in the processor/controller 126, orintegrated with/in the respective sensors 136/138/140, to convertnon-linear outputs generated by a component of a sensor 136/138/140 intoa linear signal.

Instructions executed by the processor/controller 126 receive data fromthe sensors 136/138/140, such as torque and angle values. From thatdata, the processor/controller 126 may determine various information,such as the duration of the torque applied, or should be applied, to awork piece.

The sensor data and information can be logged in real time or at apredetermined sampling rate and stored in the memory 128 and/or storage130. The sensor data and information may also be transmitted to theexternal device via a communication link 148 (which may include anantenna) for further analysis and review. For example, the communicationlink 148 may use a protocol such as Wi-Fi Direct, or a personal areanetwork (PAN) protocol such as Bluetooth, Bluetooth Smart (also known asBluetooth low energy), wireless USB, or ZigBee (IEEE 802.15.4). Thecommunication link 148 may be a wireless local area network (WLAN) linksuch as a flavor of Wi-Fi, or a cellular communications data protocolassociated with mobile broadband, LTE, GSM, CDMA, WiMAX, High SpeedPacket Access (HSPA), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS),etc.

“Data” is/are values that are processed to make them meaningful oruseful “information.” However, as used herein, the terms data andinformation should be interpreted to be interchangeable, with dataincluding information and information including data. For example, wheredata is stored, transmitted, received, or output, that may include data,information, or a combination thereof.

The radio transceiver 132 comprises a transmitter, a receiver, andassociated encoders, modulators, demodulators, and decoders. Thetransceiver 132 manages the radio communication links, establishing thecommunications link 148 with the external device via one-or-moreantennas embedded in the tool 100, enabling bidirectional communicationbetween the processor/controller 126 and the external device. Thecommunications link 148 may be a direct link between the tool 100 andthe external device, or may be an indirect link through one-or-moreintermediate components, such as via a Wi-Fi router or mesh connection(not illustrated).

The tool 100 also includes a power source 150 to power theprocessor/controller 126, the bus 134, and other electronic components.For example, the power source 150 may be one-or-more batteries arrangedin the body 102. However, the power source 150 is not limited tobatteries, and other technologies may be used such as fuel cells. Thetool 100 may also include components to recharge the power source 150,such as organic or polymer photovoltaic cells arranged along the tool100, and/or an interface by which to receive an external charge, such asa Universal Serial Bus (USB) port or an inductive pick-up, along withassociated charging-control electronics.

The display 118 may be used by software/firmware executed by theprocessor/controller 126 to display information for the user to view andinterpret. Such information may be formatted as text, graphics, or acombination thereof. The display 118 may also be used to providefeedback when information is entered into tool 100 (for example, via thebuttons 116 and/or a touch-sensitive interface integrated with thedisplay 118 itself). The display 118 may be a liquid crystal display(LCD) display, an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display, anelectronic paper display, or any kind of black-and-white or colordisplay that has suitable power-consumption requirements and volume tofacilitate integration into the tool 100.

The tool 100 may be configured for substantially simultaneousmeasurement of torque and angle target amounts. The tool 100 may beconfigured with minimum and maximum target torque values and minimum andmaximum target angle values. When applying torque, the tool 100 mayindicate when the target torque value has been reached. Simultaneously,the tool may measure the angular rotation or the tool 100 and indicate afailed torqueing operation if the target torque value is reached beforethe minimum target angle value has been reached. If either of themaximum target torque or angle values are exceeded the tool 100 mayindicate a failed operation.

Further, the tool 100 may also measure prevailing torque for lockingtype fasteners and compensate the target torque value by adding theprevailing torque value to determine automatically a final target torquevalue. FIG. 5 illustrates a graph of an example prevailing torquemeasurement. The tool 100 may be configured with a minimum startingprevailing torque value, a maximum ending prevailing torque value, theminimum prevailing angle value and the target torque value.

When the measured amount of torque applied to the work piece reaches theminimum prevailing torque value, the angle measurement may begin. Theapplied torque and angle may be measured until the maximum prevailingtorque value is reached. The measured angular rotation applied to thework piece, between minimum and maximum prevailing torque values, may becompared to the minimum prevailing angle value to determine if therequired amount of angular rotation occurred for measuring theprevailing torque value. The prevailing torque value may be calculatedfrom the center section of sampled torque readings between the minimumand maximum prevailing torque values. The prevailing torque value may beautomatically added to the target torque value to determine the finaltorque value used for positive indication of target value reached. Thetool 100 may be configured with a minimum and maximum torque toleranceand a maximum angle for additional checks, such as over torque and overrotation following the maximum prevailing torque point for reporting afailed torque cycle.

The tool 100 may also measure the residual torque of an alreadytightened fastener. FIG. 6 depicts an illustrative graph of a residualtorque measurement. The tool 100 may be configured to record the amountof torque where the work piece begins to rotate. The tool 100 may alsobe configured with a minimum angle value before the residual torquemeasurement is to begin.

The tool 100 may be configured for reporting a difference in breakawaytorque and residual torque where a higher peak torque is required toovercome thread locking or corrosion. An illustrative graph of abreakaway/residual torque measurement is depicted in FIG. 7 . A drop intorque value followed by rising torque may be reported as the peakbreakaway torque and the minimum residual torque.

Referring to FIG. 8 , a flow diagram of steps of an illustrative method200 of measuring torque and rotational angle values is shown. As shownin block 202, one or more inputs as described herein may be input intothe input interface of the tool 100. The input may include, withoutlimitation, one or more of a target torque value, a target rotationalangle value, a minimum torque value, a maximum torque value, a minimumrotational angle value, and a maximum rotational angle value. The inputsmay be stored in the memory 128 and/or storage 130 (illustrated in FIG.4 ). As shown in block 204, one or more measurements may be received, asdescribed herein. As the tool 100 is operated against or on a workpiecework piece, one or more sensors may detect and report ameasurement. The sensors may include the torque sensor 136 configured todetect and report a torque value applied to the work piecework pieceand/or angle sensor 138 (which may include a gyroscope) configured todetect and report an angular velocity of the drive 108. The measurementsmay be stored in the memory 128 and/or storage 130, as described herein.

As shown in block 206, one or more rotational angle values or positionsmay be determined. The processor/controller 126 may determine therotational angle value(s) based on the angular velocity received fromthe angle sensor 138. The processor/controller 126 may be also be a partof the angle sensor 138, by which the rotational angle values may becommunicated to 128 and/or storage 130 from the angle sensor 138. Themeasured torque amounts, as described herein, may be determined to beresidual torque values, breakaway torque values or a difference betweenthe two. For example, as shown in block 212, the received measurementsmay be displayed substantially contemporaneously with the receipt of themeasurement. Displaying the measurements in such a manner may allow theuser to monitor the applied torque value (or rotational angle value) tothe work piecework piece as the tool 100 is operated.

As shown in block 208, the rotational angle values determined using thedata from the angle sensor 138 may be compared to one or more of theinputs to determine if the tool 100 is properly operating. For example,if a torque value is input, the tool, through the processor/controller126, may calculate the appropriate angular position of the drive 108 toaccomplish the target torque input. The appropriate angular position maybe compared to the actual angular position. An error or other indicationmay be output and displayed on the display 118 (block 212) to indicate adiscrepancy between the measured or applied values and the expectedvalues.

The measured or applied torque amounts may also include a prevailingtorque value. As shown in block 210, and described, the prevailingtorque value may be automatically added to a target torque value todetermine a final torque value used for positive indication that theappropriate torque has been achieved by the tool operation.

As used herein, the term “coupled” and its functional equivalents arenot intended to necessarily be limited to direct, mechanical coupling oftwo or more components. Instead, the term “coupled” and its functionalequivalents are intended to mean any direct or indirect mechanical,electrical, or chemical connection between two or more objects,features, work pieces, and/or environmental matter. “Coupled” is alsointended to mean, in some examples, one object being integral withanother object. As used herein, the term “a” or “one” may include one ormore items unless specifically stated otherwise.

The matter set forth in the foregoing description and accompanyingdrawings is offered by way of illustration only and not as a limitation.While particular embodiments have been shown and described, it will beapparent to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications maybe made without departing from the broader aspects of the inventors’contribution. The actual scope of the protection sought is intended tobe defined in the following claims when viewed in their properperspective based on the prior art.

What is claimed is:
 1. A tool, comprising: a torque sensor adapted to measure an amount of torque applied to a work piece; a gyroscope adapted to measure an amount of angular rotation applied to the work piece; and a controller configured with minimum and maximum prevailing torque values and a minimum prevailing angle value, the controller adapted to: cause the gyroscope to measure the amount of angular rotation applied to the work piece from when the amount of torque substantially meets the minimum prevailing torque value until the amount of torque substantially meets the maximum prevailing torque value, thereby creating an angular measurement; and determine a prevailing torque value when the angular measurement substantially meets the minimum prevailing angle value.
 2. The tool of claim 1, wherein the controller is further configured with a target torque value and adapted to add the prevailing torque value to the target torque value to create a final torque value.
 3. The tool of claim 2, wherein the controller is further adapted to cause an indication when the amount of torque substantially meets the final torque value.
 4. The tool of claim 3, further comprising a display configured to display the final torque value.
 5. The tool of claim 1, further comprising a display configured to display the prevailing torque value.
 6. The tool of claim 1, further comprising a drive portion including a receiving area for a receiving a tool bit.
 7. A method of measuring torque applied to a work piece by a tool having a controller, a torque sensor, a gyroscope, and a display, the method comprising: configuring the controller with minimum and maximum prevailing torque values and a minimum prevailing angle value; measuring, via the torque sensor, an amount of torque applied to the work piece; measuring, via the gyroscope an amount of angular rotation applied to the work piece from when the amount of torque substantially meets the minimum prevailing torque value until the amount of torque substantially meets the maximum prevailing torque value, thereby creating an angular measurement; and determining a prevailing torque value when the angular measurement substantially meets the minimum prevailing angle value.
 8. The method of claim 7, further comprising: configuring the controller with a target torque value; and determining a final torque value by adding the prevailing torque value to the target torque value.
 9. The method of claim 8, further comprising causing an indication when the amount of torque substantially meets the final torque value.
 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising displaying, via the display, the final torque value.
 11. The method of claim 7, further comprising displaying, via the display, the prevailing torque value. 